WWDC 2012 Preview: What to Expect from Apple

iCloud

In mid-May, reports of new iCloud features surfaced including a new photo sharing feature. The new feature would let you share photos with other iCloud users who can then view and comment on your images, according to The Wall Street Journal. Apple may also improve iCloud.com by adding access to the iOS Notes and Reminders apps. The site currently gives you access to your mail, contacts, calendar, documents, and the Find My iPhone feature.

MacBook Updates

Apple may be making a dramatic change to the MacBook Pro laptop product line next week, according to Bloomberg. The refreshed MacBook line would include high-definition “retina” displays, Ivy Bridge chips, and flash storage. The new laptops may also be missing an optical drive, making it much thinner than current versions, according to 9to5 Mac, perhaps even verging into MacBook Air-like territory.

Mountain Lion

It's virtually guaranteed that Apple will be discussing OS X 10.8 Mountain Lion during the WWDC keynote. The latest version of OS X was first released as a developer preview in February. A lot is already known about what Mountain Lion will include such as a new security feature called Gatekeeper, improved iCloud integration, and iOS apps and features such as Reminders, Notes, Game Center, Messages, Notification Center, and share sheets.

Apple TV

A demonstration of new Apple TV software may also be on the docket for WWDC, according to BGR. Not much is known about the purported Apple TV refresh, but BGR says it may include a way for you to control all your home entertainment components from the Apple remote and the Remote iOS app. However, this functionality would need to be enabled by device manufacturers so it likely wouldn't be available for hardware you have in your home right now. BGR claims the Apple TV OS refresh will also be the software powering Apple's rumored television set.

If the rumors are accurate, the WWDC 2012 keynote could be a long one, so make sure you have lots of popcorn on hand before sitting down to check out the live blogs during the event.